e men wheeled about suddenly and for the first time saw they were
beset in the rear as well as in front. For a moment they hesitated, then
turned and charged the new arrivals.

"Keep going!" shouted Hal. "And don't miss!"

The enemy fired first, but all the shots went wild. Suddenly Nikol
checked his horse, took deliberate aim and fired. A rider fell to the
ground. The range was still great, but Nikol's aim was true. A second man
dropped at his second bullet.

Now Colonel Anderson and Hal fired simultaneously. Another man
dropped--it was impossible to tell whether Hal or Colonel Anderson had
scored a hit.

The two remaining riders drew their horses upon their haunches, and
headed them for the friendly protection of the trees. Hal and Colonel
Anderson fired a parting shot, but they were unable to tell whether the
bullets had gone home.

Chester, behind Hal, had been unable to get into the battle, Hal's figure
interfering with his aim.

"Well, I don't think the two of them will bother us," said Hal.

"No," Chester agreed. "And there are two loose horses. I'm going to get
one of them."

"Better make it two," said Colonel Anderson. "Our ally beyond, whoever he
may be, may need one."

Chester nodded.

"He deserves one," he said. "He knocked off three of these fellows."

He secured the two horses without much trouble, mounted one and led
the other.

"Now we'll have an interview with our friend," he said.

They rode forward slowly.

"Funny he doesn't come out and show himself," said Hal.

"Guess he thinks we are enemies, too," suggested Colonel Anderson.
"Well--whoa, there."

He broke off suddenly and ducked his head, for a bullet had whistled just
above him. He raised his voice in a shout:

"Hey!" he cried in English, forgetting just where he was, "what do you
mean shooting at us? Quit it. We're friends."

"That you, Hal?" came a familiar voice.

Hal, Chester and Colonel Anderson gazed into each other's eyes almost
dumbfounded.

"Well, what do you think of that?" exclaimed Hal.

There came a pleased chuckle from one member of the party, who rushed
forward happily.

It was Nikol.

"Now where is he going?" demanded Chester anxiously.

"Going to greet his friend Stubbs," returned Hal. "To Nikol, Stubbs is a
brave man and a grand fighter; and what has happened just now will only
increase his admiration. Come on, let's go and have a look for
ourselves."

"Is that you, Hal, Chester?" came Stubbs'